We talk a lot about the practices and the theory behind running a more environmentally friendly farm. We believe that ethical, responsible business is the future that all land and business owners have to go down if we want a future worth living. But don’t think that it’s enough to stop there. Instead, you should be looking at how you make a bigger impact. In every little and big way you can.

Study everything you buy

The impact of humanity on the earth is definitely bigger than the contents of your food cupboards and clothes wardrobes. But it’s still important to be a savvy consumer. Learn what people make their products from and how they make it. We’ve seen the 11 hottest months in a row in 135 years. A lot of that is down to consumption of materials we shouldn’t be consuming. Buy better and become part of the movement convincing businesses to change their ways.

Make a home for nature

It might seem like a small point in comparison, but taking care of your ecosystem is just as important. Humanity has created a whole new environment for life in the rise of cities and more rural homes. It’s important to protect that ecosystem so that it provides a home for nature. Otherwise, as we continue to expand to home our own species, we leave the rest without a home.

Don’t treat paper like an expendable

Deforestation keeps going on in a bigger scale than ever before and it’s not the fault of people cutting down trees. It’s the fault of every homeowner who continues to use paper like it’s never ending. Print less by trying to live a paperless existence with your accounting and file-keeping. Instead of using paper towels in the kitchen, use cloth towels instead.

Be a smarter car owner

As a farmer, it’s pretty hard to get anywhere without a car. We’re not going to see cities and towns becoming more horse-and-carriage friendly any time soon. So the only choice is to be smarter in owning a car. If you can afford it, get an electric car. If you can’t, make sure the mpg is the first thing you look at. Take care of your spark plugs regularly and change your driving habits. Breaking hard and accelerating quickly consumers a lot more gas. When you’re done with your car, try to find a way to make the best out of it. From having it taken apart for scrap to giving it to charity.

Get educating

The message is more important than any of these methods. It’s hard to talk about sustainable living without people treating you like a hipster loon. So you have to learn how to be less abrasive in bringing it up. With your friends, it’s about education. Mention now and then the effects their products have. Urge them towards alternatives. Take your time with them. Whenever you get through to them, it’s a win that you do.

Keep learning, keep adapting to new knowledge and keep helping others do it. We’re seeing the markets and the general consciousness shift ever-so-slowly towards conservation. There more people get involved, the faster that change comes. And we need that change now.

Better Farm

Setting up for betterArts’ Children’s Room at this year’s North Country Goes Green Irish Fest in Watertown March 16-18. Thanks to the volunteers who came out to support our sister organization, which functions to expand access to the arts for all. www.betterarts.org

Snack break on a snowy afternoon.

Our compost initiative is expanding! Many thanks to @clayton_food_co_op for getting on board by donating food scraps to Better Farm to be fed to our sanctuary animals and turned into soil. Food waste accounts for up to 40 percent of “garbage” — so separating scraps out of what we throw away means a massive reduction in landfill waste. Compost contributes to soil regeneration, and fresh food scraps replace or supplement animal feed, reducing carbon emissions associated with food processing and transportation. Composting is a radical act we can all be doing several times every single day.

When archaeologists visit Better Farm.

February 28. Canadian border of New York. Garlic already sprouting. #thesethingsarenotnormal

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A little pre-spring dirt worship with the girls.

Get on the bus! Registration for our 2018 sustainability program is now open, with lots of dates to choose from! bit.ly/2oAFFnh

#farmlife

Very excited to announce our new partnership with DiPrinzio’s Kitchen in Clayton! The fine-dining Italian restaurant and catering company is saving all its table scraps to be used as Better Farm’s gardens and fed to the pigs and chickens. Big ups to @mollicathebaker for facilitating this fabulous new project!

Neigh-bors Riddler, Blaze and Red enjoying the breakfast buffet.

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#mondaymood

Sunday Funday with Buffalo the alpaca.

Nice haul today from a standing dead oak tree. #woodstoveseason

Somebody is SO EXCITED about all this fresh, organic hay! Thanks to everyone near and far who generously made donations to keep the hay supply flush alllllll winter long. Better Farm and all its beautiful beasts love you! 🐓🐖🦒🐴🦆🐥